Ingredients in Percogesic

Percogesic is an over-the-counter medication aimed at treating aches and pains, congestion and fever associated with conditions such as cold, flu or allergic reactions. The medication is composed of two active ingredients that provide relief for multiple symptoms, but it must be taken as instructed to avoid possible side effects that include liver damage, unusual bleeding and bruising.

Acetaminophen

• Acetaminophen, a mild pain reliever, is an ingredient in Percogesic that can reduce pain from conditions such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps and sore throat, based on information from the National Institutes of Health. Aside from the analgesic, pain relieving, property of acetaminophen, it's also an antipyretic, which reduces a high fever. Acetaminophen is found in a number of over-the-counter pain relievers. Due to the potential for liver damage, a person who takes medication containing this pain reliever must closely follow the dosage instructions.

Phenyltoloxamine Citrate

• Phenyltoloxamine citrate is an antihistamine that lowers the levels of a chemical called histamine in the body. Histamine attaches to cells, causing inflammation and fluid leakage. The body may increase the production of the chemical in response to an allergic reaction, which can produce symptoms, like runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing, according to Cigna. Antihistamines like phenyltoloxamine stop histamines from attaching to cells, preventing the symptoms of an allergic reaction from developing. This ingredient is responsible for the feelings of drowsiness or dizziness some people may experience when taking percogesic.

Side Effects

• The side effects of Percogesic related to its antihistamine ingredient concern drowsiness and sleepiness. As both of these side effects can impair a person's ability to focus or concentrate, she should avoid activities like driving, operating other machinery or performing any sort of hazardous action while taking percogesic, indicates Drugs.com. Acetaminophen, when used properly, rarely causes side effects. Inappropriate use of the pain reliever, such as taking an amount above the listed instructions on the Percogesic bottle, can lead to liver damage. Additional side effects from Percogesic are unusual bleeding, bruising, low blood sugar and allergic reaction.